I

am so thankful and thrilled to be a part of JASSA’s scholarship program, and be able to share my experience in Japan of the two weeks I was there for a Study Abroad program with Professor Kawabe of San Antonio College.

My major is International and Global Studies. I started studying the Japanese language about a year and a half ago, and going to Japan was my aim since day one. Today, I can proudly say that this experience has opened up so many doors. My dream has not only been achieved, but it has also broadened my future goals even more -- to work side by side and be involved directly in Japanese culture.

It all started on Monday 23, 2016. I was at the airport so early in the morning; I still couldn’t believe that I was actually on my way to Narita International airport, where my classmates and I arrived 14 hours later. On our way to the hotel in Tokyo, I was astounded by how beautiful, and green Japan was; something in its air was just so welcoming. That afternoon all we did was have a delicious dinner and recharge our batteries for the days to come, especially the next morning- Edo Museum was up first. Edo-Tokyo Museum was just fascinating. The history emphasized in the exhibition; the models of how Tokyo looked 300 years ago, all the little replica-temples, how the people dressed. It was a great start.

We headed for Mt. Fuji the next day, which was just as sublime as the pictures you have seen. Something about the area surrounding Mt. Fuji was just so captivating. That day we did not only go to Fujisan, but we also visited Oshino Village; known for its Holy Spring Water.

JASSA Made My Study Abroad in Japan Possible:

A Letter from a 2016 Recipient of JASSA’s Japanese Language Scholarship

After staying in Tokyo for three days, it was time to take the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Kyoto, where our host family was waiting, and we were elated to meet them. I can say that this experience, was one of the most memorable in my study abroad program. We had a wonderful stay at a traditional Japanese home and we were given so much delicious food – from tempura of all kinds, Sōmen noodles (a new experience to us), curry, homemade mochi and green tea, among other things. Leaving our host family was bittersweet; we were excited to tour Kyoto and visit its temples, but we also felt sad because the family had given us so many memories in just 24 hours.

That day we visited the Fushimi Inari Taisha; best known as the Fox Shrine. Such an unforgettable and tiring experience going up that shrine. Reaching the top is for sure a challenge, there are so many steps uphill. It’s a shrine set on a mountain, and arriving all the way at the top takes determination and good physical condition!

The following two days were probably my most memorable times in Kyoto. One of the days we visited Himeji Castle; an UNESCO World Heritage Site. We went inside the castle and were able to climb to the very top. It was incredible being inside such a majestic place full of history.

The next day we went to Nara Park and Todaiji Temple and were welcomed by deer that were looking out for tourists to feed them cookies; you could buy snacks there for 100 yen a pack. It was such a fun experience being surrounded by all the deer

while they tried to take all the cookies away from your hand. That day I got to practice my Japanese a little more, as we all split into our own groups and went different ways at our own pace. That day a lot of elementary kids were there on a field trip, I guess as an English class assignment; they had to study their English with foreigners that they saw, ask them questions, and so now I have some wonderful, and funny stories to tell. The Todaiji Temple was just magnificent; I wish I could find the right word to describe the feeling once you went inside and saw the massive building and its massive Buddha statues made of bronze. It was just extraordinary!

We stayed at Utano Youth Hostel for three days in Kyoto, from there we could take the

buses easily every day and they would take us to Ninaji Temple, Ryoanji Temple (Rock Garden). We also visited Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion), Nijo Castle, and the Manga Museum. The days there in Kyoto allowed me to practice my Japanese language in a more extensive way. Every day we had free time to go sightseeing, eat anywhere we wanted, and just walk in the streets of Kyoto.

Time went by so quickly in Kyoto; we had the opportunity to experience and visit so many amazing temples and locales. We returned to Tokyo on the Shinkansen, and that afternoon we headed for Roppongi Hills, to the Mori Art Museum – there we took presence in an enjoyable “Sailor Moon,” and the “Cutting Edge of the Japanese Contemporary Art” exhibitions. It was at the very top, a total of 53 floors! The view of Tokyo was phenomenal.

On a free day, which happened to be almost the last day of our study abroad program, we went to Tokyo Disneyland—it was the cherry on top of the cake! This experience was magical. Being by ourselves, finding the correct subway lines that could take us to the resort, buying the subway tickets ourselves, putting to practice our Japanese and not getting lost was a terrific experience that I will never forget.

On the last day in Japan, before heading back to Narita International Airport we closed our study abroad program by going to “The Hara Yasusaburo Collection: Hiroshige Vivid” at the Suntory Museum of Art.

And so, coming back to San Antonio was bittersweet. Bitter because I wanted to stay surrounded by all things Japanese. I wanted to keep eating delicious Japanese food, and learning more about the culture, and practicing the language. Sweet because I had lived such a fascinating experience and memories filled with pure bliss. I can’t wait to go back. I know one day I will have the chance of doing so. This has strengthened my aim and passion to study, and learn even

more about Japan. I tried to summarize it all as much as I could. I am sure I was not able to explain everything

as well as how wonderful the experience was. This can only be lived to understand.

I am really thankful for the Japan-America Society of San Antonio for helping me take another big step towards my future goals. Sincerely,Fatima Navarro